August 05 2019 was a sad day in the history of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (HOJK). That day, India scrapped its special status and bifurcated it into two so-called 'Union Territories.'
The prime objective of India's illegal and unilateral actions of 05 August 2019 was to undermine the internationally-recognized status of HIOJK and to convert the Kashmiri Muslims into a disempowered community in their own land.
Ever since, the Indian government has taken scores of measures, aimed at changing the demographic structure and political disposition of the HIOJK. Some of the newly-introduced or modified laws, notably, pertain to issuance of domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris and ownership of land and property by the outsiders.
The delimitation of electoral constituencies has also been changed and the Lieutenant Governor has been given more powers
in the administrative matters.
Furthermore, the salience of Kashmiri identity, culture and language is being diluted.
The Indian measures in IIOJK since 5 August 2019
constitute a breach of the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and international law, especially Fourth Geneva Convention.
Today, India is bent upon silencing every voice that challenges its occupation of IIOJK. Thousands of Kashmiri leaders and activists remain behind the bars for last several years. The local media has been muzzled.
Under draconian counterterrorism and
emergency laws, the Indian forces enjoy impunity to kill any person and destroy any property. Confiscation of property and demolition of houses are the latest additions to the list of India's brutal tactics. I salute the people of IlOJK, who are facing the Indian oppression with great valor and courage.
The dismal human rights situation in IOJK calls for the immediate attention of the international community. The reports/statements by the Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, OIC-Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, UN Special Procedures, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have repeatedly exposed the human rights abuses in lIOJK.
The international community must urge India to improve the human rights situation in IOJK, release the political prisoners, and implement the UN Security Council resolutions.
For its part, Pakistan will continue to extend its complete political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people's struggle for realization of their right to self-determination.
Embargoed: Not to be published/broadcast/telecast before 5 August 2025
